Caution may be required in using l-theanine in diabetes mellitus: A study on the rats.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to identify the effects of l-theanine on kidney and heart tissues in diabetic rats. 24 male rats included in the study were divided into 4 groups (n = 6/group): SHAM, LTEA, DM and DM + LTEA. For 28 days, drinking water was given to SHAM and DM, and LTEA (200 mg/kg/day) to LTEA and DM + LTEA groups, intragastrically. DM was induced by 120 mg/kg nicotinamide (NA) + 60 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). The levels of cystatin C (CysC) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) were determined by ELISA kits, homocysteine, electrolytes and iron by an autoanalyzer, the ratio of oxidized/total reduced glutathione (GSSG/TGSH) by assay kits. The tissues were histopathologically analyzed. RESULTS: LTEA alleviated histopathological degenerations. However, it decreased significantly serum iron and homocysteine levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: LTEA did not exhibit significant protective effects on kidney and heart tissues; it may have affected the homocysteine and iron metabolisms in diabetics.

How does l-theanine treatment affect the levels of serum and hippocampal BDNF, insulin and adipocytokines in diabetic rats?

BACKGROUND: Diabetes Mellitus (DM), a metabolic disease characterized by the increased blood glucose level, insulin deficiency or ineffectiveness, may cause structural and functional disorders in the brain. l-Theanine (LTN) has the relaxing, psychoactive, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory and antinecrotic properties, and regulates the functions of hippocampus (HP) in brain. In the present study, the aim was to identify the effects LTN on the levels of BDNF, insulin and adipocytokines (TNF-α, leptin, adiponectin and resistin) in both HP and serum of diabetic rats. METHODS: 32 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 8/group): Control, LTN, DM and DM + LTN. Diabetes was induced by by nicotinamide/streptozotocin. 200 mg/kg/day LTN treatment was applied for 28 days. The serum and hippocampal levels of the parameters were determined by using commercial ELISA kits. Additionally, HP tissues examined histopathologically. RESULTS: LTN treatment significantly decreased leptin and adiponectin levels in HP tissues in diabetic rats (p < 0.05). Although it decreased the insulin level in both serum and HP, this was not statistically significant. No significant effect on other parameters was observed (p > 0.05). In histopathological analysis, although the damage was reduced by LTN in all sections of HP, this change was significant mainly in CA3 region (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that LTN has the ability to reduce hippocampal degeneration and modulates adipocytokines in diabetic rats.

Analytical performance evaluation of sensitive and old generation reagent in routine practical use: estradiol experience.

Evaluation of the analytical performance of tests in medical laboratories is important. Total Error (TE) and sigma analysis have been used as a quantitative indicator of quality for many years. The aim of this study is to evaluate the analytical performance of Beckman Coulter Access Estradiol (E2) and Sensitive E2 reagents. Analytical performance of two reagents were evaluated with TE, six sigma and measurement uncertainty values. Two Beckman Coulter Unicel DxI-800 autoanalyzers (A1 and A2) included in the study. Quality control data between December 2017 and December 2019 were used. CLIA-2019 values were used for total allowable error (TEa) limits. Uncertainty values were calculated with ISO/TS 20914. The median TE of the old generation and sensitive E2 reagent were 27.46% (between 13.49 and 48.88) and 11.16% (between 7.08 and 24.81), respectively (p < .005) The process sigma results were below 3 sigma in all months with the old reagent, whereas with the new reagents it was seen to be above 3 sigma in 11 of 12 months for both autoanalyzers. Uncertainty of old reagent is higher than new reagent. Imprecisions decrease as concentration increases with both reagents. The uncertainty values of low concentration levels are greater than high concentration levels. In conclusion, in both auto analyzers, Sensitive E2 reagent was found to have better performance than old reagent in terms of TE, process sigma and measurement uncertainty. We believe that the sensitive E2 reagent still needs further improvement for patients who have low E2 levels.

Reference change value and measurement uncertainty in the evaluation of tumor markers.

The use of measurement uncertainty among clinical laboratories becomes widespread. Measurement uncertainty can be reported with the result, as well as be used in certain reference change value (RCV) calculation equations. RCV is especially recommended for use in tests with a low individuality index. In our study, we calculated the measurement uncertainty of AFP, CA 125, CA 15-3, CA 19-9, CEA tumor markers with the ISO TS 20914:2019. We compared results with limits. Two Beckman Coulter DXI-800 (Minnesota, USA) autoanalysers' results were used. We calculated the RCV values using the classical Fraser method, logarithmic Lund Method, and Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) method as Minimal Difference (MD). We found the same permissible measurement uncertainty limit as 15.97% for all five tumor markers. The highest RCV value was found as 90% upstream for AFP test with Lund logarithmic approach, the lowest RCV value was found as 12% for CEA with MD, all other RCV results were between these two values. We do not recommend the use of MD, as values for Biological variation are not used in the MD approach. We also recommend using the logarithmic approach, although it gives higher results. There are also clinical studies on the significance of tumor markers in a follow-up that show different results. These differences may be because the studies are conducted with different systems. Therefore, each laboratory needs to calculate its own RCV values. We also recommend informing the clinicians about the tests with high measurement uncertainty.

Rosa canina Extract has Antiproliferative and Proapoptotic Effects on Human Lung and Prostate Cancer Cells.

Although several studies have investigated the cytotoxic effects of different Rosa species, there has been only limited research into the cytotoxic effect of Rosa canina. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the antioxidant properties, phenolic characterization, and cytotoxic effects of R. canina on human lung (A549) and prostate (PC-3) cancer cells and the possible mechanisms involved. The antioxidant properties and phenolic characterization of the extract were determined using spectrophotometric methods and RP-HPLC, respectively. The cytotoxic activity of the extract was determined using the MTT assay. The mechanism involved in the extract's cytotoxic effect was then evaluated in terms of apoptosis, the cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and caspase activity using fluorometric and luminometric methods. The TPC value of the extract was 58.97 ± 2.22 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram sample, and ascorbic acid and p-coumaric acid were detected as major phenolics in the extract. R. canina extract exhibited a selective cytotoxic effect on A549 and PC-3 cells compared to normal fibroblast cells. The extract induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase and apoptosis via reduced MMP and increased caspase activity in these cells. Phytomedical applications of R. canina may represent promising approaches in the treatment of cancer.

Higher Thrombin-Antithrombin III Complex Levels May Indicate Severe Acute Pancreatitis.

AIM: Coagulation disorders may develop in association with severe acute pancreatitis (AP). Plasma thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT) levels are one of the principal markers of coagulation disorder. The purpose of this study was to evaluate TAT and other hemostatic parameters in patients with AP and to examine whether or not these parameters indicate the severity of AP. METHOD: Forty-six patients with AP (14 severe, 32 non-severe) and a 30-member healthy control group were recruited. The severity of AP was determined using the revised Atlanta classification. ELISA was used to measure patients' plasma TAT levels. RESULTS: The TAT levels of AP patients at presentation were higher than those of the control group (p = 0.005). The plasma TAT levels of patients with severe AP were also significantly higher than those of patients with non-severe AP (p = 0.05) and of the control group (p < 0.001). The general accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of TAT levels in predicting the severity of AP were 77.4, 77.8, and 77.3% respectively. CONCLUSION: The coagulation cascade was activated in the AP patients in our study, and this was shown to become more pronounced as severity of the disease increased. Plasma TAT levels at the time of presentation in patients with AP can be used as a marker for predicting the severity of the disease.

The prognostic significance of serum troponin T levels in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever patients.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a disease transmitted by the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), characterized by severe fever and hemorrhage and with a reported fatality level of 3-30%. Cerebral hemorrhage, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, severe anemia, shock, myocardial infarction, pulmonary edema, and pleural effusion may be seen as causes of death. Cardiac troponin T (cTn-T) is a biochemical marker with high sensitivity and specificity in myocardial injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of serum troponin T levels in CCHF patients. Patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of CCHF and whose serum cTn-T was investigated were examined retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of presence or absence of hemorrhage. Data were subjected to statistical analysis. One hundred thirty-five CCHF patients and 72 control subjects were included. Hemorrhage was present in 48 (35.6%) patients. Mean serum cTn-T level was 17.3 ± 28.0 ng/L in the patients with hemorrhage, 9.98 ± 5.97 ng/L in the non-hemorrhage patients (P = 0.001) and 6.6P = 2.6 ng/L in the control samples (P < 0.001). At a cTn-T level cut-off point of 9 ng/L, area under the ROC curve was 0.797 (95%CI: 0.730-0.854), sensitivity 83.0%, specificity 87.5%, PPD 95.7%, and NPV 60.3%. At logistic regression analysis, a rise in cTn-T level above 14 ng/L increased the probability of hemorrhage in CCHF patients approximately threefold. An increased troponin T level may be a prognostic risk factor for hemorrhage in CCHF patients. This marker should therefore be borne in mind in determining treatment strategy in these patients. J. Med. Virol. 89:408-412, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

SCUBE1: a promising biomarker in renal cell cancer.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE-1) as a novel biomarker of renal tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 48 individuals were included in the study. The patient group (Group-1) consisted of 23 subjects diagnosed with renal tumor, and the control group (Group-2) of 25 healthy individuals. Patients diagnosed with renal tumor received surgical treatment consisting of radical or partial nephrectomy. Blood specimens were collected following overnight fasting. Signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE-1), soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) levels were measured from plasma samples. Patients in groups 1 and 2 were compared in terms of these biochemical parameters. RESULTS: The 23-member renal tumor group was made up of 17 (73.91%) male and 6 (26.08%) female patients with a mean age of 58.5±15.7 years (range 25 to 80). The 24-member healthy control group was made up of 16 (64%) male and 9 (36%) female subjects with a mean age of 52.4±9.12 years (range 40 to 67). Analysis revealed significant elevation in SCUBE-1 levels in the renal tumor group (p=0.005). No significant differences were detected between the groups with regard to CA IX or suPAR measurements (p=0.062 vs. p=0.176). CONCLUSIONS: SCUBE-1 appears to represent a promising biomarker in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with renal tumor.

Platelet indices in obstructive sleep apnea: the role of mean platelet volume, platelet distribution widht and plateletcrit.

INTRODUCTION: Because studies report controversial findings of mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW), we aimed to investigate platelet indices in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred seventy three patients with OSA and 43 control subjects included in analyses. Patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5 were considered to have OSA and an AHI < 5 were considered as control. Platelet indices (MPV, PDW, plateletcrit) were obtained from routine analysis of blood samples using an automated blood cell counter. RESULT: Among platelet indices, only PDW was higher in patients with OSA, especially in severe OSA when compared to control group (16.80 ± 0.56 vs. 16.21 ± 1.51, p= 0.015 and 16.82 ± 0.06 vs.16.21 ± 1.51, p= 0.014, respectively). Correlation analysis showed a significant but a weak correlation between the PDW and AHI (r= 0.161, p= 0.018) and the PDW and the desaturation index (r= 0.171, p= 0.016). The ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value, distinguishing patients with OSA from those in control group, for PDW was 16.62 (sensitivity 57.8%, specificity 58.1%, AUROC 0.60, p= 0.042). After the exclusion of patients with comorbid diseases (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and chronic inflammatory diseases), we also found weak but a significant correlation between PDW and AHI (r= 0.179, p= 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, among the platelet indices, only PDW was found to be higher in patients with OSA, especially in severe OSA. PDW was also correlated with apnea-hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation index.

Value of Cardiac Troponin and sPESI in Treatment of Pulmonary Thromboembolism at Outpatient Setting.

BACKGROUND: Currently, guidelines do not recommend any standard approach for treatment of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) at outpatient setting. We investigated the efficacy and safety of a 90-day anticoagulant treatment of outpatients diagnosed with PTE who had negative troponin levels and low-risk simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) at presentation. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included a total of 206 patients with objectively confirmed acute symptomatic PTE. Any troponin negative (cTn-) and low sPESI patients (as classified Group-1) were treated in outpatient setting. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality during the first 90 days, and the secondary endpoint included non-fatal symptomatic recurrent PTE or non-fatal major bleeding. Presence of cancer was excluded from sPESI score. RESULTS: Fifty-two of 206 patients were eligible for had Group-1, and 31 were treated at outpatients settings. The 90-day all-cause mortality rate was 3.2 % among patients who received outpatient treatment. Otherwise cTn+ and high-risk sPESI 90-day mortality rate was 43.7 %. No difference was found in terms of secondary endpoints between the patients who received outpatient treatment and those who received inpatient treatment in Group-1 (p = NS). In our study, cancer was present in 16 (51.6 %) of the 31 outpatients. CONCLUSION: We observed that patients with acute PTE, low-risk sPESI, and negative troponin levels can be safely treated in the outpatient settings. Also the presence of cancer alone does not necessitate hospitalization.

Elevated Serum Levels of SCUBE1, a Marker for Coagulation, in Patients with Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women and a major cause of death. Signal Peptide-Cub-Epidermal growth factor domain-containing protein-1 (SCUBE1) is secreted under hypoxia and inflammatory conditions from platelet alpha granules. Its biological function is uncertain, although it may be a procoagulant substance in cancer patients. SCUBE1 is useful for identifying thrombotic diseases, including cancers and acute coronary syndromes. D-dimer reflects the relationship between coagulation activation and fibrinolysis; namely, thrombosis and D-dimer levels are closely linked. This is the first investigation of the potential diagnostic and prognostic value of SCUBE1 levels in patients with BC. Fifty patients and 33 age-matched and body mass index-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Blood samples were collected before chemotherapy regimens commenced. Serum SCUBE1 and D-dimer levels were measured before adjuvant chemotherapy and were compared to the healthy controls. SCUBE1 levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. SCUBE1 and D-dimer levels were significantly higher in patients than in the controls (p = 0.03 and p < 0.001, respectively). A cut-off value of 1.55 ng/mL for SCUBE1 was associated with 62% sensitivity and 72.7% specificity and with positive predictive value of 77.5% and negative predictive value of 55.8%. Two patients with high SCUBE1 and D-dimer levels also developed pulmonary embolism. SCUBE1 may indicate hypercoagulability in patients with BC and thus help identify patients at greater risk of thrombosis and requiring anti-thrombosis treatment. SCUBE1 may also be used as an assistant test for identifying patients at risk of BC.

Cholesterol forms and traditional lipid profile for projection of atherogenic dyslipidemia: lipoprotein subfractions and erythrocyte membrane cholesterol.

Atherogenic dyslipidemia characterized by abnormal changes in plasma lipid profile such as low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and increased triglyceride (TG) levels is strongly associated with atherosclerotic diseases. We aimed to evaluate the levels of pro- and antiatherogenic lipids and erythrocyte membrane cholesterol (EMC) content in normo- and dyslipidemic subjects to investigate whether EMC content could be a useful marker for clinical presentation of atherogenic dyslipidemia. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), HDL and their subfraction levels and erythrocyte lipid content were determined in 64 normolipidemic (NLs), 42 hypercholesterolemic (HCs) and 42 mixed-type dyslipidemic subjects (MTDs). Plasma atherogenic lipid indices [small-dense LDL (sdLDL)/less-dense HDL (LHDL), TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C and Apo B/AI] were higher in MTDs compared to NLs (p < 0.001). The highest sdLDL level was observed in HCs (p < 0.01). Despite a slight increase in EMC level in dyslipidemic subgroups, the difference was not statistically significant. A significant negative correlation, however, was observed between EMC and sdLDL/LHDL in HCs (p < 0.035, r = -0.386). Receiver operating characteristic curves to predict sdLDL level showed that TG and EMC levels had higher area under curve values compared to other parameters in HCs. We showed that diameters of larger LDL and HDL particles tend to shift toward smaller values in MTDs. Our results suggest that EMC content and TG levels may be a useful predictor for sdLDL level in hypercholesterolemic patients.

Red cell distribution width: a new predictor for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary embolism.

The most important long-term complication of pulmonary thromboembolism is chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) that is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. It is uncertain why some patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) develop CTEPH and others do not. Elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) has been associated with adverse outcomes of heart failure, PE, and idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether RDW might be a predictor of CTEPH in PE patients or not. This study is a retrospective cohort study. A total of 203 consecutive patients with acute PE were included. The RDW was higher in the CTEPH patients than the patients without CTEPH (17.04 ± 3.46, 14.64 ± 1.82, respectively, p = 0.015). RDW was also higher in the CTEPH patients at the time of diagnosis of CTEPH during follow-up compared with the baseline RDW level at the time of PE diagnosis (18.63 ± 3.58, 17.02 ± 3.59, respectively, p = 0.014). The optimal cutoff value of the RDW for predicting CTEPH was 14.65. The area under the curve of RDW for the prediction of CTEPH was 0.735 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.600-0.869); in cases with RDW levels >14.65%, the specificity, sensitivity, and negative predictive value for CTEPH were 62% (95% CI: 0.55-0.69), 75% (95% CI: 0.47-0.92), and 96.7% (95% CI: 0.91-0.99), respectively. A multivariate regression analysis showed that RDW, hazard ratio: 1.58 (95% CI: 1.09-2.30), was a predictor of CTEPH (p = 0.016). High level of RDW was an independent predictor of CTEPH in PE patients. Therefore, RDW levels may provide a prediction for CTEPH in PE patients.

Comparison of the effects of axillary brachial plexus block, inhalation anesthesia, and total intravenous anesthesia on tourniquet-induced ischemia-reperfusion injury in upper extremity surgery.

BACKGROUND: Post-ischemia reperfusion can lead to oxidative stress and an increase in oxidative markers. Employing preventive strategies and antioxidant agents may help mitigate ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). The use of a tourniquet in extremity surgery has been associated with IRI. This study aims to investigate the impact of three different approaches- brachial plexus block, total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), and inhalation anesthesia-on IRI during upper extremity surgery using a tourniquet. METHODS: Patients aged 18 to 45 with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II scores were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group A received an axillary block with bupivacaine; Group I underwent inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane; and Group T received TIVA with propofol and remifentanil infusion. Blood samples were collected to measure glucose, lactate, total anti-oxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels at various time points: before anesthesia (t1), 1 minute before tourniquet release (t2), 20 minutes after tourniquet release (t3), and 4 hours after tourniquet release (t4). RESULTS: In Group I, lactate levels at t3, and glucose levels at t2 and t3, were higher compared to the other groups. Group A exhibited lower IMA levels at t2, t3, and t4 than the other groups. Additionally, Group I had lower IMA levels at t2, t3, and t4 compared to Group T. TAS levels were higher in Group I at t2, t3, and t4 compared to the other groups. TOS levels at t2 and t3 were lower in Group A than in Group I. CONCLUSION: Axillary anesthesia results in a sympathetic block, promoting better perfusion of the upper extremity. This study demonstrated lower levels of oxidative stress markers with axillary plexus block. Therefore, these results suggest that the axillary block has the potential to mitigate IRI.

How does colistin-induced nephropathy develop and can it be treated?

Colistin is an old antibiotic used in the treatment of Gram-negative infections. It was once suspended because of its nephrotoxic effect but has since been reintroduced due to multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. The pathogenesis of colistin-associated nephropathy has not been clarified, and there is currently no effective therapeutic or prophylactic agent available. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of caspase-associated apoptosis and caspase 1, calpain 1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in the pathogenesis of colistin-associated nephrotoxicity and the effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) in preventing it. Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: control, colistin, and colistin plus GSPE (colistin+GSPE). Colistin-associated nephropathy was induced by the administration of 300,000 IU/kg of body weight/day colistin intraperitoneally for 7 days. The experiment was discontinued on the seventh day. Blood was collected for measurements of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. Histopathological examination of kidney tissue and caspase 1 and 3, iNOS, eNOS, terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL), and calpain 1 staining was also performed. Significant increases in BUN levels; creatinine levels; renal histopathological scores; and TUNEL, caspase 1 and 3, calpain 1, iNOS, and eNOS staining were observed for the colistin group compared to the control group. Significant decreases in BUN levels; creatinine levels; renal histopathological scores; and TUNEL, caspase 1 and 3, calpain 1, iNOS, and eNOS staining were observed in the colistin+GSPE group compared to the colistin group. Our study shows, for the first time in the literature, that caspase-mediated apoptosis, iNOS, caspase 1, and calpain 1 are involved in the pathogenesis of colistin-associated nephropathy. GSPE had a renoprotective effect, as shown by the lowered levels of these mediators.

In silico investigation of the interactions of certain drugs proposed for the treatment of Covid-19 with the paraoxonase-1.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has caused one of the biggest pandemics of modern times, infected over 240 million people and killed over 4.9 million people, and continues to do so. Although many drugs are widely recommended in the treatment of this disease, the interactions of these drugs with an anti-atherosclerotic enzyme, paraoxonase-1 (PON1), are not well known. In our study, we investigated the interactions of 18 different drugs, which are claimed to be effective against covid-19, with the PON1 enzyme and its genetics variants L55M and Q192R with molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and free energy calculation method MM/PBSA. We found that ruxolitinib, dexamethasone, colchicine; dexamethasone, sitagliptin, baricitinib and galidesivir, ruxolitinib, hydroxychloroquine were the most effective compounds in binding PON1-w, PON1L55M and PON1Q192R respectively. Mainly, sitagliptin, galidesivir and hydroxychloroquine have attracted attention by showing very high affinity (<-300 kJ/mol) according to the MM/PBSA method. We concluded that the drug interactions should be considered and more attention should be paid in the use of these drugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Elevated Circulating Endocan Levels Are Associated with Increased Levels of Endothelial and Inflammation Factors in Postprandial Lipemia.

BACKGROUND: Postprandial lipemia (PPL) causes endothelial dysfunction by causing endothelial damage to lipoproteins that remain rich in triglycerides. Endocan is a proteoglycan with increased tissue expression, endothelial activation, and neovascularization. The aim of the study was to examine circulating endocan levels in PPL subjects by considering the degree of PPL response according to a high-fat test meal. The other aim was to determine the association between endocan levels and endothelial and inflammatory factors. METHOD: Fifty-four hyperlipidemic subjects and 28 normolipidemic subjects consumed the high-fat meal. Endocan, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and VEGFA as endothelial factors and IL-6 and LFA-1α as inflammatory factors were evaluated. RESULTS: Fasting serum endocan, VEGFA, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 IL-6, and LFA-1α levels were increased in the PPL group compared to the control group. The PPL group was divided into tertiles based on mean AUC levels. Endocan levels in tertile 3 were at the highest and were increased significantly compared to tertiles 1 and 2. AUC and endocan levels were positively correlated with other endothelial and inflammation factors. ROC analysis showed endocan levels to be one of the highest values. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating endocan is seen at significantly higher levels and independently associated with endothelial and inflammatory factors in postprandial lipemia and dyslipidemia.

Short-Term Standard Diet Consumption Prior to the Oral Fat Tolerance Test Modulates the Postprandial Triglyceride Response.

We hypothesized that the consumption of a 3-day standard diet (SD) prior to the oral fat tolerance test (OFTT), used to evaluate postprandial lipemia, may counteract the undesirable effects of individual dietary habits on the test results. The OFTT was applied to 22 healthy adults (11 females and 11 males), after their habitual diets (HDs) and following the consumption of a 3-day SD (45-60% energy from carbohydrate, 20-35% from fat, and 10-20% from protein). Plasma triglyceride (TG) concentrations were measured during fasting and at the fourth hour of the OFTT. A 3-day SD significantly reduced fasting and fourth-hour TG concentrations and delta TG values by 10%, 12.8%, and 22.7%, respectively. Decreases were observed in fasting and fourth-hour TG and delta TG values following the 3-day SD compared to the HD in subjects with fasting TG concentrations between 89 and 180 mg/dL (p = 0.062, p = 0.018, and 0.047, respectively). As a result, the consumption of a 3-day standardized diet prior to the OFTT may be useful to eliminate the false positive or negative effects of individual dietary habits on test results and to correctly identify individuals who should be administered the OFTT.

The effects of atorvastatin therapy on rheological characteristics of erythrocyte membrane, serum lipid profile and oxidative status in patients with dyslipidemia.

The statins, most commonly used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, have certain beneficial effects including improved endothelial function, plaque stability and decreased oxidative stress and inflammation, beyond their lipid-lowering effect in plasma. We evaluated the pleiotropic impact of atorvastatin on erythrocyte structural/mechanical properties and lipid peroxidation in dyslipidemics. The study group included 44 patients with dyslipidemia and was divided into subgroups according to triglyceride and cholesterol levels as hypercholesterolemic (n = 29) and mixed-type hyperlipidemic (n = 15). Subjects were given 10 mg atorvastatin per day for 12 weeks. Changes in serum lipid composition, lipid contents, Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity and osmotic fragility in erythrocytes and oxidative stress parameters of erythrocytes and plasma were studied. Atorvastatin therapy improved the serum lipid profile of both subgroups. This alteration was accompanied by a decreased level of cholesterol in erythrocyte membranes. Moreover, enhanced activity of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase in erythrocytes reflected the improvements in membrane lipids of both subgroups. However, a significant change was observed in osmotic fragility values of the mixed-typed dyslipidemic group. This treatment lowered the lipid peroxidation in plasma and erythrocytes and increased plasma total antioxidant capacity in all groups. The present study shows that the use of atorvastatin reversed the structural and functional features of erythrocyte membranes in dyslipidemic subjects. Also, hypolipidemic therapy had a beneficial impact on a balance between oxidant and antioxidant systems.

Thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor and thrombin-antithrombin-III-complex levels in patients with gastric cancer.

The relation between cancer and coagulation is the subject of investigation since a relation between tumor and thrombosis has been determined. Antithrombin III is an important thrombin inhibitor, and increased thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complex levels activate coagulation. Activated thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) inhibits the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin. In addition, it directly inactivates plasmin. Defective fibrinolysis increases the risk of thrombosis. In this study, we evaluated homeostatic parameters, TAFI, and TAT levels in patients with gastric cancer applying to the medical oncology outpatient clinic. Fifty-two patients and 35 healthy controls were included. ELISA was used to measure TAFI and TAT complex levels. These were statistically higher in the patient group (p < 0.05 and p = 0.001, respectively). D-dimer levels were higher in stage IV (p = 0.05). Correlations between lymph nodes and TAFI and TAT levels were examined. Weak but positive correlation between lymph nodes and TAFI was detected (R = 0.452, p = 0.027). TAFI and TAT levels were evaluated using relative operating characteristic analysis to differentiate the disease. TAT was more specific than TAFI according to this analysis (TAFI area under curve (AUC), 0.676; TAT AUC, 0.874). Thrombotic events and bleeding disorders need to be borne in mind in gastric cancer. This situation is due to the impairment of the balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis. Further studies are now needed to evaluate the effects of TAFI and TAT on survey and prognosis as well as the potential of these parameters as tumor markers for gastric cancer.